press charges

phrase

: to take legal action against someone : to officially accuse someone of a crime

He was caught shoplifting, but the store owner didn't press charges.

Examples of press charges in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The mother of a 16-year-old girl, Peggy Satterlee, had tried to press charges the year before on the claim that Flynn had twice forced himself on her daughter aboard his yacht, the Sirocco, while it was anchored off Catalina Island. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

The case was rejected by the District Attorney’s office in April 2024, and the Santa Monica City Attorney’s office declined to press charges. — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026

The sheriff's office said the institution declined to press charges, and the artifacts were returned to the fort. — CBS News, 30 July 2026

Fort Morgan’s director chose to not press charges, so there was no further action from us. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

Rhymes for press charges

• discharges
• enlarges
• recharges
• surcharges
• barges
• overcharges